If you’ve got a plot of land or a backyard, there’s no reason it needs to be wasted. There are plenty of ways to make the most of your outdoor space, whether for entertaining family and friends or using your backyard debris as a new way to fuel your garden. Check out these seven innovative ideas that we think you’ll love.

1. Fill Up the Area With Vibrant Flowers

There’s no better way to put a little color into your backyard than with a garden planted with bulbs, flowers, and perennials. If you’re tight on space but want to make the most of what you’ve got, build raised bed gardens instead of planting in the ground. They will save space and help keep weeds out, so you don’t need to put as much time and effort into maintaining them.

2. Lay Down a Beautiful Winding Path

A dirt path through your backyard is the perfect way to start an outdoor party. To ensure you’ve got all the space you need for entertainment, lay down stepping stones and a flagstone path that guests can walk on to avoid tripping hazards. It will take up less room than you’re thinking. You can find supplies and materials at most home improvement stores or even online if you don’t have one nearby.

3. Make Room for Stairs

Stairs are a perfect way to add a little bit of height to your entertaining space. An elevated deck or patio is a great way for friends and family to gather for an outdoor meal or a relaxing conversation. If you need more room for them, you can have steps built onto the backside of your house, then have an easy access door that leads out onto a more spacious area.

4. Install a Fun Play Structure

A play structure is an essential backyard feature if you’ve got little ones running around. There are plenty of options for you to choose from, everything from slides to swingsets and more. You’ll be able to keep the kids entertained while playing in the yard, making it easy to have friends and family over for a barbecue or game of badminton.

5. Go for an Expansive Lawn

While a backyard may be small, growing grass only takes up a little room. It’s the perfect option for families who only have a little space to work with but still want to enjoy having a lawn in the summertime. If you’re worried about it taking too much time and effort, consider planting drought-resistant grass that requires less maintenance and water so you can still have a nice green yard all year round.

6. Add an Elegant Backyard Swing

One of the easiest ways to use your space is by adding another place for people to sit. You can place a comfortable swing in the corner of your yard or even under a shade structure. Your guests will be able to enjoy the backyard weather no matter what time of year it is while they’re relaxing and conversing with each other.

7. Install an Outdoor Kitchen

Dress up your backyard by creating a cozy space for cooking and grilling. There are several ways to achieve this, from installing an outdoor kitchen with a small refrigerator and sinks to an outdoor grill and fire pit. Regardless, you’ll be able to get friends and family together for an evening of cooking and celebrating the warm weather.

These options will help you make the most of your outdoor space, giving you a more entertaining room and a nicer area to relax. Take some time to consider which option will work best for your family, and give yourself plenty of time to prepare. You’ll be amazed at how much you can do to maximize your backyard space.